What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

X-ray
with contrast—to assess the level of reflux and evidence of damage

Endoscopy
—use of a tube attached to a viewing device called an endoscope to examine the inside of the lining of the esophagus and stomach;
a
biopsy
may also be taken

Manometry—a test to measure the muscular contractions inside the esophagus and its response to swallowing

Leading up to the surgery:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for help at home.

The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

Open Procedure/Nissen Fundoplication

A wide incision will be made in the abdomen. This is to expose the stomach and lower esophagus. The upper portion of the stomach will be wrapped around the esophagus. This will create pressure on the lower part of the esophagus. It will reduce the chance of stomach acid moving up the esophagus. If a hiatal hernia exists, the stomach will be placed entirely back in the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm where the hernia poked through will be tightened.

How Long Will It Take?

2-4 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have discomfort during recovery. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

2-4 days

Post-procedure Care

After the procedure, you can expect the following:

You will walk with assistance the day after surgery.

You will start by eating a liquid diet. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods.

After a successful fundoplication, you may no longer need to take medications for GERD.

Be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions.

It will take about 6 weeks to recover.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital

Increased swelling or pain in the abdomen

Difficulty swallowing that does not improve

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Any other new symptoms

If you think you are having an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.